2025 Summer Travel Trends Report
Setting Off…
This summer’s report reveals how travel habits are evolving, from the rise of staycations and cooler climate escapes to changing booking patterns among younger and older travellers. While Spain and Greece remain popular, destinations like Cyprus are gaining ground, and more families are choosing to travel together.
As we continue monitoring these trends, there’s one thing that remains clear. That’s the importance of booking Travel Insurance as early as possible, to benefit from cancellation cover. We recommend booking your insurance as soon as you book your holiday.
At Just Travel Cover, we help travellers of all ages find the right level of cover to meet their needs, providing options from a panel of multiple insurers to provide tailored options. Everyone should experience the joy and freedom of travel with peace of mind. Dive into the report and see what’s shaping the direction of travel this summer.
The Headlines…
- 14% drop in early bookings: Younger holidaymakers are buying insurance closer to departure, risking loss of cancellation cover.
- Cyprus Travel Insurance sales up 68%: More over-60s are opting for Cyprus
- Staycations rise: UK and Channel Island trips are common among older travellers, mainly for convenience and family access.
- Cooler holidays trend: Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are gaining popularity among older travellers seeking alternatives to the heat.
- Slovenia’s gaining ground: A 15% uplift in bookings shows Slovenia’s alpine scenery is drawing more over-60s looking for something quieter.
- US trips dip: Decline in bookings highlights the importance of cover where medical costs are highest.
- Family travel booms: More people are booking family or group policies as multigenerational travel becomes the norm.
14% Drop in Early Bookings: Travellers Risk Missing Out on Cancellation Cover
New figures reveal that more travellers are leaving their Travel Insurance until closer to departure, with the average lead time falling by 14%, from 45 days in 2024 to just 38 days this year.
Lead time, the period between buying a Travel Insurance policy and the start of a trip, tends to increase with age. Older travellers often plan further ahead: those aged 70–79 arrange cover around 60 days in advance, rising to 75 days for those aged 80–89, and 82 days for over-90s. In contrast, younger travellers are more likely to leave it later. Nearly 1 in 10 people aged 18–30 only arrange their insurance the day before travelling, compared to fewer than 1 in 40 over-60s.
Our research also shows that travellers seeking over-60s travel insurance are nearly twice as likely to purchase their policy at least two weeks before departure compared to younger age groups.
There are a few reasons why younger travellers are booking Travel Insurance later. Many prefer spontaneous short breaks and feel less vulnerable to illness or disruption, underestimating the impact of emergencies. Others choose to spread costs and only arrange cover shortly before departure because it feels less urgent.
Arranging Travel Insurance as soon as you book remains the simplest way to protect your plans. If you delay, you risk missing out on cancellation cover for unforeseen events like illness, injury or bereavement. Booking early means your trip is protected from the moment you arrange it, giving you peace of mind whether you’re planning months ahead or heading off at the last minute.
Cyprus Travel Insurance Sales Surge: Over-60s Flock to Sunshine
Our latest data shows a 68% increase in Travel Insurance policies for Cyprus compared to last year, with most policy bookings made by individual travellers. Among over-60s specifically, quotes have risen by 20% as more people look beyond traditional favourites like Spain and Greece. This shift reflects growing demand for destinations that feel familiar yet offer something different.
With its slower pace of life and consistently warm climate, Cyprus offers a breath of fresh air for over-60s travellers looking for a change of scenery. English is widely spoken, and driving is on the left, which removes common barriers and makes getting around more comfortable for British visitors.
Beyond the beaches, Cyprus offers rich history and culture, with many travellers drawn to its archaeological sites and scenic mountain villages. For over-60s in particular, this combination of relaxation and exploration is increasingly replacing the well-trodden paths of Spain and Greece.
As travellers become more selective, destinations that balance familiarity with something new are rising in appeal. For older holidaymakers, it’s not just about the sunshine. It’s about finding places that are accessible, comfortable, and rich in experiences without being overwhelming.
Staycations Rise: UK Holidays Attract Older Travellers
This shift may reflect several practical factors. Warmer UK summers have made domestic holidays more appealing, and staying local helps avoid the increasing cost and complexity of overseas travel. For some older travellers, skipping airports and long flights offers a simpler, more manageable experience. Travelling within the UK can also make it easier to coordinate time away with children or grandchildren.
Even when travelling within the British Isles, having Travel Insurance in place can still be worthwhile. It may offer protection for things like cancellations, illness or lost belongings, and in destinations such as the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, where NHS coverage doesn’t always apply, it can help cover medical costs, emergency transport or repatriation if needed.
Cooler Holidays on the Rise for Older Travellers
This growing demand for colder holidays reflects a broader trend. According to the ABTA 2025 Travel Trends Report, more travellers are opting for cooler destinations as summers become hotter across Europe. Google Trends data shows a 300% year-on-year increase in searches for “cooler holidays,” with many travellers keen to escape heatwaves in traditional beach spots.
These trips often form part of a bucket list, including Northern Lights tours, scenic rail journeys and glacier walks. Having the right insurance in place is crucial. A suitable policy can help protect against disruption, medical costs abroad and cancellations, providing reassurance when travelling to more remote locations where access to care may be limited.
Hidden Gem: This European Spot Is a Hot Favourite for Over-60s
Changing Patterns in US Travel: Why Insurance Matters More Than Ever
This summer, our data suggests a shift in travel choices, with fewer single-country policies issued for USA travel insurance compared to the same period last year. This includes a 49% decrease among travellers aged 60 and over. While the US remains a popular long-haul destination, this change may reflect a combination of rising travel costs, geopolitical considerations, or growing interest in destinations perceived to offer better value.
What hasn’t changed is the importance of having the right Travel Insurance in place, especially when visiting countries like the United States where medical care is among the most expensive in the world. Even a short hospital stay can run into thousands of pounds. Having the right policy in place can help protect you from these unexpected costs and provide support if things don’t go to plan.
Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) underline this risk. In 2024, one insurer paid out over £1 million to cover a single claim for emergency treatment and repatriation from the USA. Medical expenses remain the most common reason for travel insurance claims, making up 34% of all claims last year.
It’s a clear reminder that, even as travel patterns evolve, the need for reliable protection remains the same, particularly when visiting destinations where medical care comes at a premium.
Family Travel Soars: Group Cover Grows More Popular in 2025
Family holidays aren’t just back, they’re booming. Our latest data shows bookings for family travel insurance have surged by 58%, while group policies are up 48% compared to last year.
It’s a trend that reflects a deeper shift in how we travel. According to the Great British Holiday Audit 2025 by EasyJet and EasyJet Holidays, one in three families now invite grandparents to join them on holiday, and 97% of parents plan to keep holidaying with their children even once they have left home.
More families are choosing to travel together to make up for missed time, share experiences, and split the cost of longer trips. Multi-generational holidays are becoming the norm, with many people booking insurance further ahead and planning more complex itineraries.
Arranging one policy that covers everyone is a straightforward way to protect the entire group. It ensures all travellers have the same level of cover for medical emergencies, cancellations and unexpected delays. When more people rely on the same plans, tailored and substantial protection becomes even more important.
While individual policies remain the most popular overall, rising by 9% this year, the strong growth in family policy bookings highlights how travel habits are changing. Travelling as a family or group brings higher stakes if something goes wrong. With more people depending on the same plans, having the right insurance helps avoid confusion, reduce stress, and ensures everyone can travel with confidence knowing support is in place if it’s needed.
Looking Ahead
This summer’s data paints a picture of travellers who are ready to explore beyond the familiar. While Spain and Greece still top many holiday wish lists, demand is diversifying, with Cyprus, Norway and Iceland seeing significant growth as travellers seek out new experiences, cooler climates and better value.
Family travel continues to surge, with more people taking the opportunity to reconnect and create lasting memories together. In contrast, Travel Insurance sales for the USA have dropped significantly, with a 50% overall decline and a 49% decrease among over-60s, as travellers increasingly prioritise destinations with GHIC cover and more predictable healthcare costs.
Shorter lead times, particularly among younger travellers, will be an important trend to watch in the months ahead, as insurance booking habits evolve and spontaneity becomes more common.
As we move into the next season, one thing is certain: the way people travel is changing, and the need for clear, reliable Travel Insurance has never been stronger.
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Methods and Metrics
How was this report put together?
Our report analyses sales data from April-June for 2024 & 2025, focusing on the following data points:
Lead time
The number of days between the booking date and the start of the trip.
Policy type
Whether single-trip or annual multi-trip.
Travel Group Composition
Individuals, couples, families, or groups.
Top Destinations
The most popular destination/s listed for Travel Insurance bookings.
Traveller Age
The age specified by the traveller when booking Travel Insurance.
